Deepings Community Library volunteer, Liz Waterland, has won a prestigious national award at a reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal was launched by Her Majesty in 2025 to celebrate the everyday heroes helping people to discover the joy of reading across the UK.
At the star-studded reception at Clarence House, Liz was presented with the Local Reading Hero medal, in recognition of her lifetime of service to literacy.
Liz has been a driving force behind the Deepings Community Library for the past ten years, where her infectious enthusiasm continues to inspire a love of reading in every generation.
For younger readers, she co-ordinates volunteers to run popular Story Time sessions, and visits schools to promote the Summer Reading Challenge, helping the library record one of the highest number of participants nationwide.
To support older readers, she obtained grant funding to run an Age Concern bus service, ensuring less mobile elderly residents can visit their library, as well as running a book delivery service for those who are housebound.
Prior to her volunteering, Liz was a passionate advocate for reading in her role as a teacher and headteacher, and has published books on children’s literacy.
Liz said: “I was shocked when I found out I had won, but also very proud to be given such a prestigious award. This award is not just about me, it recognises all the teachers, friends, and library colleagues that I have worked with and who have supported reading and literacy for people of all ages, both at work and as volunteers.
“Deepings Community Library, like all libraries, is one of the few public spaces where you can go without being required to spend money, and which welcomes everyone, from babies to the elderly. I'm very proud to be part of the service that supports literacy and the pleasure of reading, and which offers activities and support to the community.”
Reflecting on Liz’s nomination, The Queen’s Reading Room Medal judging panel said:
“Liz’s nomination stood out for its depiction of an extraordinary lifetime of service devoted to helping people of all ages and stages access reading.
Her volunteering is clearly led by values of community, inclusivity and a passionate enjoyment of literature, and has contributed to the success of Deepings Community Library. Her story is a brilliant example of how community libraries, supported by the local Public Library Service, can work so well in serving a local community.
Liz is a true local champion, a role model for community action and is somebody who has – many times over – seen a problem and found solutions for them. She’s shown how much difference an individual can make to a community, and to opening up access to books through such a range of thoughtful, tailored and enduring programmes.”
Deepings is one of 34 community hub libraries across Lincolnshire, operated by community groups and supported by Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) and Lincolnshire County Council.
Find out more about Deepings Community Library by visiting their website, or following their Facebook page.